Detail map of Wawona, California, United States Overview map of Wawona, California, United States

A: Wawona, California, United States

Frederick Law Olmsted Presents the Philosophical Justification for Public Preservation of Great Natural Scenery

1865
Frederick Law Olmsted, oil painting by John Singer Sargent, 1895, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

"Frederick Law Olmsted, oil painting by John Singer Sargent, 1895, Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

In 1865 American journalist, landscape architect and planner Frederick Law Olmsted submitted a "Preliminary Report upon the Yosemite and Big Tree Grove" to the Commissioners of California's new Yosemite park. This was the first work to establish the philosophical justification for public preservation of great natural scenery on the basis of its unique capacity to enhance human psychological, physical, and social health.

In 1993 the Yosemite Association of Yosemite National Park issued Olmsted's pioneering work in a finely printed edition limited to 450 copies, illustrated by Wayne Thiebaud. 100 copies of that edition were signed by the artist. 

 

Timeline Themes